Media Releases

Decisions made in the European Union will now have a direct impact on the rate of Australia’s carbon tax, as a result of the linkage announced by the Gillard Government this week. Business and economic leaders have today confirmed that the linkage means decisions made in Europe will impact how much more households…

Australians should brace for a higher carbon tax and higher electricity prices following comments from Greens Leader Christine Milne, Acting Shadow Minister for Climate Action, Environment and Heritage Simon Birmingham said today. Senator Milne yesterday flagged a significantly higher carbon tax in the near future following the Government’s announcement of European linkage with…

Less than two months into Labor’s carbon tax, the Gillard Government has announced a major backflip and redesign that only adds to the uncertainty and confusion surrounding its hugely expensive dud policy. The Government’s scramble to sort out international deals and abandon altogether its floor price confirms a carbon tax in chaos, Acting…

Reports today that Water Minister Tony Burke and Finance Minister Senator Wong have attacked those playing politics with the Murray-Darling Basin Plan provide a sharp rebuke of South Australian Labor Premier Jay Weatherill. Water Minister Tony Burke has warned that any MPs who vote against his plan for the Murray-Darling Basin will be…

Threatened cutbacks to community development programs by the SANFL and member footy clubs highlight the real and unwanted impacts of Julia Gillard’s carbon tax, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment Simon Birmingham said today. The South Australian National Football League (SANFL) is reportedly facing a $100,000 increase in electricity bills, while member clubs…

Water Minister Tony Burke should provide certainty to all Murray-Darling stakeholders by indicating quickly whether he is happy with the latest iteration of the Proposed Basin Plan released by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority today. With just three weeks left for the States to provide further comment on the plan, Coalition Murray-Darling Basin spokesman…

Ministerial briefings prepared for the South Australian Labor Government have confirmed that Federal Labor’s carbon tax risks investment, jobs and population in Port Pirie. The briefings, released to the State Liberal Opposition under freedom of information laws, confirm the future of Nyrstar’s lead smelter at Port Pirie has been placed at direct risk…

Julia Gillard is trying to deceive Australians about the real impact for them of her carbon tax, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment Simon Birmingham said today. On Adelaide radio today, the Prime Minister deliberately avoided the most severe cost impacts of the carbon tax which took effect yesterday: “People can, you…

Senior Australians’ concerns at power bill rises highlight the looming impacts of Julia Gillard’s carbon tax, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment Simon Birmingham said today. National Seniors has warned that expected price hikes for electricity and gas will wipe out advance carbon tax compensation payments made to retirees in recent weeks. …

South Australians will be paying more for electricity and gas than they should, due to the carbon tax. The rising cost of living is already a challenge for South Australian families and adding another price hike to rising bills is a real blow. The Prime Minister should apologise to South Australian families…